Lecture Notes: Politics and the English Language by George Orwell

Introduction

• English language is perceived to be deteriorating.
• Common belief: Language decay is inevitable and linked to cultural decline.
• Orwell argues that language is an instrument we can shape.

Cause and Effect of Linguistic Decay

• Language decline has political and economic roots.
• Poor language habits reinforce poor thinking, creating a cycle.
• Improving language can lead to clearer thinking and political regeneration.

Common Faults in Modern English

1. Staleness of Imagery

   • Overused and outdated metaphors lose their evocative power.
   • Examples: "Ring the changes on," "Achilles heel," "hotbed."

2. Operators or Verbal False Limbs

   • Use of unnecessary phrases to add syllables and symmetry.
   • Passive voice and noun constructions preferred over active verbs.

3. Pretentious Diction

   • Use of complex words to dress up simple statements.
   • Preference for Latin and Greek over Saxon words.

4. Meaningless Words

   • Certain words used in criticism and politics lack precise meaning.
   • Examples: "Fascism," "democracy," "patriotic," used vaguely.

Examples of Bad Writing

• Orwell provides five passages as examples of poor English.
• Common issues: lack of precision, over-complicated language, and staleness.

Translation Exercise

• Example of translating a Biblical verse into modern, convoluted English.
• Demonstrates loss of clarity and imagery in modern writing.

Political Language and Insincerity

• Political writing often defends the indefensible through clouded language.
• Euphemisms and vague expressions disguise harsh realities.

The Impact of Language on Thought

• Bad language habits can corrupt thought.
• Ready-made phrases conceal meaning and reduce mental effort.

Suggestions for Improving Language

• Reject overused phrases and complex words.
• Use clear and precise language.

Orwell's Rules for Writing

1. Avoid clichés and familiar figures of speech.
2. Use short words when possible.
3. Cut unnecessary words.
4. Use active voice over passive.
5. Avoid foreign phrases and jargon.
6. Break rules if absolutely necessary to avoid barbarism.

Conclusion

• Simplifying language can combat political deception and improve communication.
• Encouragement to adopt clearer language habits.